System for harvesting maple tree sap and apparatus used therein

ABSTRACT

A system for collecting sap from maple trees in which is provided a family of interchangeable connectors or fittings providing quick connect/disconnect features, and a spout member providing for more straight line flow of sap through such a member. An assembly is provided of a male and female member which allows quick connection of branch lines together, or a branch line to the main line conduit. A drop line assembly is provided which allows for better tapping of sap producing trees to maintain healthy trees. A cap is provided constituting one member of the quick connect/disconnect assembly whereby any part of the sap collection system can be isolated from the rest or for providing a closed system for cleaning or sealed from the environment. Adaptors are provided which incorporate the features of the quick connect/disconnect assembly making it possible to convert old sap collecting systems to one using the connectors and fixtures having the quick connect/disconnect features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates, in general, to a system for harvesting sap fromsap producing trees, e.g., maple trees, and to apparatus used therein.More specifically, it relates to a novel spout member and to variousapparatus components comprising a family of quick connect/disconnectfittings or connectors and to adaptors suitable for use in a closed sapcollection system comprising lengths of interconnected flexible plastictubing. Furthermore, it relates to a kit for use in the installation ofa sap collection system comprising a novel spout member and a pluralityof various such fittings, adaptors and lengths of flexible plastictubing.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The harvesting, or collecting, of sap from maple trees for theproduction of maple syrup and sugar was learned by the early colonistsin New England from the Indians. Such harvesting has become an everincreasing important industry in New England and is practiced in Vermontand New Hampshire, among other of the states in the United States.Collecting sap from maple trees and manufacturing syrup therefromcomprises a significant and major source of income for thousands ofpeople in the United States and Canada, and in certain other countriesin the world. Accordingly, it is important that the trees in a grove ofmaple trees, or sugarbush, be kept in a continuing healthy condition.

In early days, the maple sap was collected in a bucket hung beneath aspout or tap inserted into an elongated dead bore provided in the trunkof the maple tree. The sap was then collected from all the buckets inthe sugarbush and brought to a sugar house centrally located in thegrove of maple trees for boiling to produce the syrup and sugar. Thismanner of harvesting the sap is, as will be well appreciated, anextremely labor intensive operation. As a result of such a collectionsystem, the commercial harvesting of sap from maple trees became an everincreasingly uneconomical operation, particularly as the labor costsconnected therewith increased over the years. Thus, there developedrelatively early on in commercial sap operations the need for a morecost effective means of collecting sap for processing into maple syrupand sugar.

Sap collecting systems involving conduits or pipes for conveying the sapfrom trees in the sugarbush to a remote collection point for processingwere known at least as early as the earlier part of the present century.Such an early sap collection system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.1,186,741, which issued to Brower on Jun. 13, 1916. In that patent,there is disclosed a sap collecting system which comprises a mainconduit to which is connected a plurality of branch conduits. To thebranch conduits are connected branch pipes which in turn are connectedto upright branch tubes extending vertically downwardly from a spilelocated in a borehole provided in the tree trunk. Thus, sap is conveyedfrom the tree via the spile down the upright branch tube to a branchpipe, hence to a branch conduit, then to the main conduit, andultimately to the collection point for further processing. The mainconduit, as disclosed by the patentee, is manufactured of sheet metalbent to form a tubular structure. At desired locations along the mainconduit, the metal strips of which the conduit is constructed is bentupwardly to provide a flange which defines an opening for intrusion ofthe end of the branch pipes. Similar openings are provided in the branchpipes and branch conduits for intrusion of the lower end of an uprightbranch tube. Although the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,186,741 isdeemed to be somewhat of an improvement over the use of buckets forcollecting sap from the maple trees as earlier done, it will beappreciated from a review of the patent that such collection system isattendant with certain problems. The openings provided for location ofthe ends of the branch tubes and branch pipes are not sealed, leavingthe sap being collected subject to contamination by insects, dirt, andforeign materials.

Other sap collecting systems involving interconnected conduits aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,877,601; and 4,366,648. The patentee inU.S. Pat. No. 2,877,601, discloses that early tree-to-tree collectionsystems involved open troughs and somewhat later ones comprised anetwork of piping (believed by applicant to be similar to that disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 1,186,741). Nevertheless, based upon the disclosure inU.S. Pat. No. 2,877,601, little, if any, improvements had been made intree-to-tree collection systems from the time of those earlierinventions to that invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,601, whichissued on Mar. 17, 1959. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,601, theopen trough systems were exposed to foreign substances blown about bythe wind which substances had to be removed before processing the sap.Also, the troughs were damaged by falling limbs and traversing of deerand other animals through the woods. As a result, such systems were, asdisclosed by the patentee, unsuccessful. The early piping networks werealso, according to the patentee, attendant with certain problems inaddition to being subject to damage by falling trees and animals passingthrough the sugarbush. Thus, the pipes were damaged by expansion of thesap on freezing. And, with warmer weather, the sap took to long to thawout. As a result, the new flow of sap would spill to the ground untilthe pipes thawed.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,601, the patentee discloses a sap collectionsystem which comprises a main or trunk line and branch linesinterconnected together, which lines simply are laid on the ground.Trees are connected one to another, in serial fashion, by branch linesconnected one to the other, the end one of which connects into the mainline. Each tree is provided with a fitting which is basically aTee-connector. Thus, there is provided a tubular section extendinghorizontally from the body of the connector which extends into theborehole provided in the tree trunk at one end thereof and into a borein the body member at the other end. A horizontally disposed tubeprovided with a side opening at its mid-point extends through the bodymember and perpendicular to the first tube, to the opposite ends ofwhich are connected the ends of branch lines from adjacent trees. Thus,accordingly to the patentee, there is provided a closed sap collectionsystem which has the advantage of appreciably curtailing bacterialslimes and preventing bacteria laden air from coming into contact withsap. The branch and main line tubing are formed of a somewhat flexiblesynthetic plastic material, according to the patentee, such aspolyethylene or vinyl resin. As a result, the sap in the collectionsystem is less subject to freezing and thaws out quicker by constructingthe system, as disclosed by the patentee, of a dark material, e.g.,black tubing, having relatively high solar heat absorbing properties.Nevertheless, the use of such a sap collection system is necessarilyaccompanied with certain problems. Thus, as will be appreciated, as thebranch and main line tubing are provided of somewhat flexible material,and such tubing is laid directly on the ground, the tubing of the systemwill conform to the contours of the ground on which it is laid. As aresult, the collection system will naturally develop sags therein, incertain locations, allowing stagnate sap areas to develop. Sags in sucha flexible tubing system will become permanent collecting points forsap. With cold weather in the spring during the sap harvesting, thestagnant sap may even freeze causing an obstacle to sap flow until theblockage thaws out. When the weather becomes warmer, the stagnant sapmay become a "hot-bed" of bacterial buildup which contaminates the sap,lowering its quality grade and value. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,512,104, maple sap will become rancid if it is allowed to stagnate inany one place for a relatively short period of time. Care must then betaken, even when the sap is running, to avoid low regions in the lineswhere the sap might stagnate and eventually spoil. Rancid sap containedin the lines carrying the sap can even contaminate running sap passingthrough the infected regions and thus degrade or even spoil an entireproduction run. In any event, sags are counterproductive to the totalcollection system which works best and produces higher volumes of sapwhen there are no sags to reduce flow efficiency. The greater the numberof such sags and stagnant sap areas that develop in a sap collectionsystem, the greater the potential for the problems just described.Moreover, as disclosed in FIG. 2 in the patent (U.S. Pat. No.2,877,601), the flexible tubing is merely connected to the Tee-couplingby a friction fit resulting from sliding the end of the tubing over thesmooth end of the tubing connector of the coupling. Thus, it is believedthat such a connection is obviously limited in the pressure that it canwithstand, during the sap harvesting or in the cleaning of the system byreverse flushing or the like methods, prior to separation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,648 likewise discloses a tree sap collection systemwhich comprises a main conduit extending through a grove of trees withbranch conduits extending from the main conduit to each tree. The branchconduits are connected to the main conduit through a coupling whichincludes a plurality of equiangularly spaced-apart connectors with eachconnector connected to the end of a separate branch conduit. Each branchconduit terminates at the end opposite from the main conduit in aTee-coupling provided with three elongated connectors, one of which isconnected by a length of tubing to a spout which, during the sapcollection period of time each year, is located in a borehole providedin a tree. At the end of the sap collection period, the spouts areextracted from the boreholes, and each spout is then plugged, inaccordance with the invention disclosed in that patent, to prevent theentry of foreign materials, such as dirt or insects, into the conduitsystem. It is not clear from the disclosure of the patent whether themain and branch conduits are laid on the ground. The patentee does not,however, expressly disclose that the conduits of the system aresupported above-ground. Moreover, the Tee-couplings do not appear fromthe disclosure in the drawings in the patent to be attached to thetrees. They appear to be located on the ground further indicating thatthe tubing in the collection system is laid on the ground. Thus, itwould appear that, just like the collection system disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 2,877,601, this collection system may be attendant with thesame problem of sags in the lines and stagnant areas of sap collectingin the tubing system. In any event, the patentee discloses that the treesap collection system is intended to remain installed throughout theyear with only the spout which was inserted within each tree, beingremoved. Cleaning of the system, according to the patentee, isaccomplished with the system in place, as initially installed, byforcing cleaning fluid in a reverse direction to sap flow through thesystem.

Although the apparatus of the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,366,648 advantageously provides a closed system and protects the sapin the tubing from contamination by foreign objects, its usenevertheless presents other problems and difficulties. As disclosed inthe patent, and seen in the drawings, the various connectors on thevarious components connecting the tubing involves a plurality ofspaced-apart annular ribs. Such connectors, however, while providing fortight, secure connections between the tubing and the connectors, do notallow for ready and easy removal of the tubing from the connector, e.g.,where cleaning of portions of the system may be desired, or in caseswhere lengths of conduit need be replaced with conduit of a differentlength or changed for some reason, or the drop line from the spout needbe replaced with a shorter or longer length. In most instances where theconnectors are provided with such annular ribs, the tubing must actuallybe cut off the connector. This not only destroys the end of the tubing,sometimes necessitating its disposal or at least replacement withanother length of tubing but oftentimes this results in damage to theconnector, necessitating the replacement of the connector. Such problemsnaturally add to the cost and expense in the operation and maintenanceof the sugarbush. The difficulty experienced with such tubing removal isone reason why some sugarbush operators are reluctant to take down thesap collection system, or any part thereof, for storage or cleaning, orfor the thinning of the sugarbush, or for any other reason.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,053, which issued on Nov. 10, 1981, discloses thatit is conventional practice to remove the sap spouts from the treesafter each sap season so that the healing of the boreholes will takeplace. New boreholes are then drilled and spouts inserted in them insubsequent seasons. In order to reduce the amount of labor associatedwith disconnection and reinstallation of the plastic tubing sapcollection system, it is usual practice to hang the partiallydisassembled system from the trees in the maple grove. Because prior artsap collection systems have not been designed with this mode of use inmind, according to the patentee, two significant problems have occurred.First, because either a prying tool or a hammer must be used to removeprior art plastic spouts from the tree bore holes, a substantial amountof spout breakage occurs during such removal. Second, storage of the sapcollection systems hanging on the trees has allowed contamination toenter the partially disassembled systems through openings in them, e.g.,the open end of the spout. For example, mud wasps will often plug up thespouts if they are left open and hanging on the trees. Although thislatter problem has been alleviated somewhat, according to the patentee,by providing separate plastic plugs for insertion into the openings, thenecessity for a separate part adds inconvenience to the use of thesystem. A further problem associated with some prior art plastic plugs,as disclosed by the patentee, arises when the system is cleaned byforcing water through it. The plastic plugs are blown out of theopenings with even a small amount of water pressure. This hampers thecleaning operation making such more time consuming, costly anddifficult.

Accordingly, there is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,053, a membercomprising in combination a connector and plug for use in a sapcollecting system in which a length of plastic tubing, i.e., a dropline, is connected at one end thereof to a spout inserted in theborehole provided in the trunk of a tree and at the other end to theconnector member. This member, as disclosed in the patent, is in theshape of a Tee-connector which is provided with three fittings, two ofwhich are horizontally disposed and in direct opposition to one another,and the other of which is vertically disposed downwardly. An axialpassageway is provided in the downwardly extending fitting whichintersects with an axial passageway defined by the other two fittings.In opposition to the downwardly projecting fitting on the member is atab in which is provided a hole through which a nail may be inserted tomount the connector member to the trunk of a tree, as a part of thecollection system. Extending outwardly from the body of the combinationconnector and plug is a cylindrically shaped plugged for engaging theopen end of the spout, when such is removed from the borehole, at theend of the sap collection season. The spout, as disclosed in the patent,is provided with a downwardly projecting elongated fitting which isconnected to the downwardly projecting fitting on the Tee-connectormember by means of plastic tubing forming a part of the collectionsystem. Thus, sap coming into the open end of the spout flows throughthe spout, down the fitting projecting downwardly therefrom through thetubing connected to the Tee-connector and out the down-side horizontallydisposed fitting of the Tee-connector through a branch line connectedthereto, to a main conduit. When the sap collection season is over, thespout is removed from the borehole in the tree, and the open end thereofis fitted onto the plug. Thus, there is provided a closed loop in thesystem allowing the system to be cleansed by back flushing with water.As the borehole provided in the tree is left exposed to the air, normalhealing of the borehole takes place after the sap collection season. Ina subsequent season, a new borehole is provided in the tree trunk, andthe spout is inserted into the new borehole in conventional manner.Although the invention disclosed in this patent has certain advantages,its use is accompanied by at least some of the same problems earlierdisclosed. The drop line obviously has a sag therein during the sapharvesting season, as will be readily appreciated by reference to FIG. 3of the drawing, which is undesirable. Moreover, the annular ribbedfittings on the connector member make removal of the plastic tubingtherefrom extremely difficult, as earlier disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,104, earlier mentioned, discloses a drop lineassembly for use in a sap collection system. The drop line assemblycomprises a molded tap, or spout member, which comprises a housinghaving a front face from which protrudes an elongated tapered spout anda bottom from which extends downwardly an elongated drop line connector.The spout member and drop line connector each define axially alinedpassageways which intersect with one another inside the housing. Asdisclosed by the patent (FIG. 3), the inner end of the passageway in theelongated fitting intersects the passageway defined by the tapered spoutat an angle of approximately 90 degrees adjacent its end. Thus, theportion of the spout passageway extending beyond the intersection withthe passageway in the elongated fitting serves as a collection point forwood particles which on buildup can cause a flow blockage necessitatingcleaning. The other end of the elongated fitting is connected to one endof a flexible tubular-shaped drop line, the other end of which line isconnected to a conventional Tee-connector. The other connectors on theTee-connector are each connected to branch lines connected in turn toadjacent trees from which sap is being collected. As disclosed by thepatentee, the elongated connector on the spout member is provided with aseries of circumferential ribs that are adapted to engage the interiorof the end of the drop line tubing in gripping engagement to establish aleak-tight joint therebetween. Thus, while the drop line advantageouslyappears to hang directly downwardly thereby preventing sags therein withattendant potential for stagnant sap areas, when flow ceases for a time,or at least slows down, the problem presented by the ribbed connectors,as earlier disclosed, remains. These ribs prevent not merely inadvertentdislodgement of the drop line from the spout, as suggested by thepatentee, such circumferential ribs make disconnection of the drop linefrom the connector most difficult, and essentially impossible withoutuse of a knife, or other cutting tool, to first slit the tubinglongitudinally at the end. The ribs, as disclosed in the patent, slantdownwardly toward the end of the connector allowing the end of thetubing to be relatively easily slipped thereover. Once in place,however, the ribs grip the interior surface of the tubing making removalof the tubing from the connector most difficult.

The advent of interconnected tubing systems for collecting sap has had asignificant impact on site selection, thinning and tapping procedures.For example, prior to use of tubing systems, the trees in extreme swampyareas were not generally tapped. The sap could not be readily collectedfrom such trees and collection, in general, was not economicallyjustified as such areas do not usually produce healthy trees, or goodvolumes of sweet sap. The use of tubing systems, however, allowsrelatively easy gathering of sap from such areas.

The proper thinning of trees from a sugarbush is absolutely essential tothe process of establishing and maintaining a healthy, productivesugarbush. Too much thinning, no thinning, or poorly timed thinning allcontribute to poor tree health. Tubing collecting systems asabove-described, however, are considered to be a real pain to take downfrom time-to-time for thinning. The collection systems as disclosed, oreven portions thereof, cannot be readily or easily disassembled, due tothe ribbed connections on fittings now conventionally used. As a result,many stands of maple trees are not thinned at all. Others when thinned,are "over-thinned", to avoid having to take down the tubing system andto re-install it more often than is absolutely necessary. Nevertheless,usually, frequent, light thinning is best in well managed sugarbushes.This requires frequent handling of the tubing. Thus, for proper thinningof a sugarbush and continued good maintenance thereof, to promotecontinued productive and healthy trees, there is a real need for tubingfittings and connectors that reduces not only the difficulty in takingdown a tubing system, or disassembling portions thereof, but makes sucha system also more easily and readily installable.

Furthermore, the proper tapping of individual trees in the sugarbush soas to maintain healthy trees and continued good sap productivitytherefrom requires that one determine the number of taps that a tree cansupport at any one time and from time-to-time, and then that such tapsbe distributed from time-to-time over as large an area of tappable woodas possible. Distributing these "allowable" tapping injuries to a treeproperly will keep them separated from each other by larger areas ofhealthy white wood. As a result, the tree will be better able tocontinue (normal sap flow) functioning. Thus, for good tree management,the length of a drop line, i.e., the length of tubing from the spout tothe Tee-connector or to a branch line or conduit carrying the sap fromone tree to the next, and hence to the main line, will need vary fromtime-to-time to accomodate the most desirable location for a newlytapped borehole. Nevertheless, this replacement of one length of dropline for another is not readily accomplished due to the difficulty inremoving a particular length of drop line from the spout member in thesap collection system. As before disclosed, with the tubing connectorsor fittings presently conventionally used, the plastic tubing cannot be,generally, readily removed therefrom. The drop line tubing must be cutat one end from the spout, and at the other end from the branch lineTee-connector, and often with much difficulty. Due to the difficultyinvolved in exchanging a shorter or longer length of drop line for thatalready installed in the collection system, drop lines that are reallytoo short, or in some cases too long, for good tapping proceduresnevertheless continue to be used from year to year. Thus, in cases wherethe drop line is too short, tap hole location is determined largely bythe length of the drop line then being used. In other words, the taphole location is determined by "bringing the tap to the spout". Thisresults in a clustering of tap holes, causing serious health problems tothe tree and has contributed heavily to tree dieback and decreased sapproductivity from a particular tree. With such problems, the overallproductivity of the sugarbush is adversely affected to a great degree.

Where, on the other hand, to avoid clustering of tap holes fromcontinuous use of too short a length of drop line, a producer uses toolong a length of line for the present location of tap hole, a sag in theline is often the result. This, of course, results in stagnant sap andthe attendant problems earlier disclosed.

The minimum drop line length that should be used is at least 30 inches.Such a generous length of drop line will allow vertical staggering aswell as horizontal offsetting of new tap holes. This long a drop linecan be kept from forming a sag below the lateral lines, i.e., the branchlines, by tying it back when tapping at a point closer to theTee-connector so that the flow is directed downwardly from the tap tothe connector. Nevertheless, one should be prepared to move thelaterals, i.e., branch lines, where possible, or change the droplinelengths, or a combination of both to utilize as much of the tapping bandin the tree as possible. New taps should be placed at least six inchesto one side and two feet above or below any old taps which are stillopen.

In the commercial harvesting of maple sap used in the production ofsyrup, it is not uncommon for the producer to have hundreds or eventhousands of taps working at any one time. Once a sap collecting systemis installed in a sugarbush or farm, as is presently done, and with theribbed fittings disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art patents, itis very difficult to alter the configuration of that system in any way.Also, though highly desirable, it is most difficult to disassemble thesystem, or any part thereof, for cleaning. As a result of thesedifficulties, it is not at all unusual for the collection system to beleft on the trees from year-to-year. When first installing a sapcollecting system, the drop lines from the spout to the Tee-connectorlocated in the branch lines are provided of a certain length. The sameis true of the branch lines, which connect tree-to-tree, and ultimatelyconnect into a main line or conduit. Thus, if any changes are to be madein the initial configuration, these lengths must be taken intoconsideration. At times, changes to the system can only be made byreplacing certain of the drop lines, or of the various and numerousbranch lines. Presently, however, any modification of any tubing systemof which I am aware involves using a knife or other cutting instrumentto remove drop lines from spouts and drop lines or branch lines fromconnectors to which such are connected in the collection system. Thisprocess is not only most difficult to accomplish because of the natureof the fittings involved, but is also time consuming and inconvenient.Moreover, it often results in costly damage to the connector fittings,with resulting loss of sap productivity because of such damage to thefittings, if such damaged fittings are not replaced. All of the abovenaturally contributes to the cost of the operation of the sugarbush andin the resulting products.

The difficulty of modification, and the attendant problems, asabove-disclosed, causes many sugarmakers to avoid any modifications tothe collection system, once such is installed in the sugarbush, and toignore such problems and any needed changes in the system untilabsolutely necessary. As a result, the overall health of somesugarbushes has deteriorated more each year, and some have deterioratedto a great extent, and will continue to further deteriorate unless thetrees in the sugarbush are properly tapped and the sugarbush itselfproperly thinned from time to time. The result of not doing so is notonly a reduction in the quantity of sap collected from a sugarbush fromyear to year but also the quality of the sap in any one year as wellwhich, in turn, adversely affects the finished product, e.g., the maplesyrup. The presence of bad wood or decayed wood from previous improperlytapped trees can adversely affect sap quality, manifesting itself in aserious off-flavor in the syrup produced. The loss to the sugarbushowner in tree health, product yield and quality in improper tapping andthinning is expensive; however, the loss of trees from such practice isof even more concern.

Existing collection systems as above-described, while an improvementover bucket and hand gathering systems, still are attendant with manyproblems, as will, it is believed, be readily appreciated from theabove. Thus, there is a need for a sap collection system that addressesthe need for good and continued tree health. Moreover, there is a needfor such systems that provide for greater ease and convenience not onlyin their installation, but in their maintenance and modification,resulting in economies in labor and in improved production of sap ofgood quality and flavor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A major object of the present invention is to provide an improved systemfor collecting sap from sap producing trees, in particular maple trees,not attendant with the problems of present sap collection systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sap collection systemthat offers greater convenience in, and allows for, more proper tappingof maple trees.

A further object is to provide a sap collection system, the use of whichwill result in less tree-dieback and healthier trees through lessovertapping and fewer improperly tapped trees.

A further object is to provide a sap collection system that offersgreater convenience and efficiency in proper thinning of trees from asugarbush from time-to-time.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a sap collectionsystem that can be readily and easily assembled or disassembled, asdesired, and without the need for cutting or other external tools.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a sap collectionsystem wherein one or more parts of that system can be readily andeasily isolated from the whole, to allow the further tapping of anyparticular tree, or the tapping of certain trees to be put off untilanother season, or for whatever the reason.

A still further object is to provide a sap collection system thatincludes apparatus that facilitates its installation and maintenance.

An even further object of the invention is to provide a sap collectionsystem that can be readily disassembled for storage or cleaning afterthe end of the sap collection season, and more readily and easilyinstalled the following season in the same grove or another, as desired,than such systems now existing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sap collection systemthat is a closed system whereby bacterial slimes are appreciablycurtailed by preventing bacteria laden air from coming into contact withthe sap.

A further object is to provide a sap collection system that is air andwater tight and that can withstand pressures in the area of 100lbs./in.².

A further object of the invention is to provide a sap collection systemthat can be cleaned while still installed in the sugarbush by, ifdesired, isolating predetermined portions thereof and reverse flushingthe same with suitable cleaning fluid.

A further object is to provide a drop line assembly for use in a sapcollecting system facilitating and making more convenient the propertapping of maple sugar trees whereby the tendency for cluster tapping ina tree will be reduced.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel spout member foruse in a sap collection system.

A further object of the invention is to provide a family of connectorsor fittings that facilitates the installation of a sap collection systemand that offers convenience and efficiency in the maintenance,modification, and disassembly thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a family of connectorsor fittings that mate together and which provide in combination positivelocking features that prevent their inadvertent separation from oneanother.

A still further object is to provide suitable adaptors for use inpresently installed sap collection systems in which the tubingconnectors comprise circumferential ribs whereby such a system canincorporate the family of quick connect/disconnect fittings orconnectors of this invention.

Another object is to provide a kit comprising a plurality of the quickconnect/disconnect assemblies and connectors and fittings disclosedherein, drop line assemblies, and lengths of plastic tubing forinstallation of a sap collection system in accordance with the majoraspects of the invention.

A further object is to provide a quick connect/disconnect assembly forfacilitating the connecting together and disconnecting of two lengths offlexible plastic tubing or the like.

In accordance with the major objects of the invention, there isprovided, according to one aspect thereof, an air and water tightinterconnected system for collecting sap from sap producing trees, inparticular, maple trees, and delivering such to holding tanks for laterprocessing which comprises a main line conduit having an axiallydisposed passageway therein for transporting sap from a plurality ofbranch line conduits to a holding tank, said main line conduitcomprising at least a first section of predetermined length of flexibleplastic tubing having a downstream end and a second section ofpredetermined length of flexible tubing having an upstream end, anelongated manifold connector having an axially disposed passagewaytherein and having an upstream end and a downstream end for connectingthe said downstream end of the said first section of main line conduitto the said upstream end of the said second section of mainline conduit,a plurality of fittings being provided on said elongated manifoldconnector, each of said fittings comprising one member of a quickconnect/disconnect assembly and having an axially disposed passagewaytherein intersecting with said passageway in said elongated manifoldconnector, said fittings being preferably all located in the same planeand extending outwardly from said manifold connector in spaced-apartpairs in opposition to one another along its length, a plurality ofTee-connectors each being detachably connected to the trunk of aplurality of maple sugar trees, each of said plurality of Tee-connectorsbeing located at a predetermined suitable vertical distance above theground, each said Tee-connector comprising a body member defined by topand bottom, horizontally disposed, spaced-apart planar surfaces inparallel relationship to one another, planar, vertically disposed,spaced-apart parallel front and back surfaces, and in perpendiculardisposition thereto, first and second vertically disposed, planar,spaced-apart, parallel sides intersecting said front and back surfaces,and a horizontally disposed cylindrical-shaped passageway extendingthrough said body member from one of the said parallel sides to theother, an upstream and a downstream elongated fitting each having acentrally disposed passageway therein being provided on saidTee-connector and extending horizontally outwardly from andperpendicular to respective said vertically disposed sides in oppositionto one another, said passageway in said elongated fittings beingconnected to and being coextensive in diameter with that passageway insaid body member whereby to provide a continuous passageway for flow ofsap, a third elongated fitting being provided on said Tee-connector andextending vertically upwardly a predetermined distance from andperpendicular to said top, horizontally disposed, planar surface of thebody member and terminating in a plane parallel to said top planarsurface, a centrally disposed passageway being provided in said thirdelongated fitting which extends from the end thereof into said bodymember and intersects perpendicularly with the horizontally disposedpassageway provided therein, said third fitting being further defined bya vertically disposed circular-shaped perimeter terminating at its innerend at, and perpendicular to, a horizontally disposed, circular-shapedplanar surface, a tapered surface connected to and extending downwardlyfrom said horizontally disposed, circular-shaped, planar surface andtapering outwardly from the vertical at a predetermined angletermininating at said top, horizontally disposed planar surface of thesaid body member, a pair of diametrically opposed lugs being provided onsaid third fitting spaced apart from said top surface, each of whichlugs extends outwardly from said circular-shaped perimeter apredetermined distance in horizontal disposition in a plane parallel tothe plane defined by said top, planar surface, a supporting member forsupporting said Tee-connector on, and fastening such to, a tree trunk ofa maple tree extending vertically downwardly from and connected to thesaid bottom, horizontally disposed, planar surface of the body memberand being defined by planar front and back planar faces which taperdownwardly from said bottom surfaces at equal angles and intersect withone another, and parallel first and second, vertically disposed, planarsides, an opening being provided in and extending through saidsupporting member from one said tapered planar face to the other forlocation of a nail or like fastening means therein for fastening saidTee-connector to said tree trunk, a branch line conduit of flexibletubing of predetermined length connecting the downstream elongatedfitting located on said Tee-connector to one of the plurality offittings on the main line conduit connector, a spout member comprising ahead defined by a vertically disposed face, a rear portion and a bottomportion, and an elongated spout having an open end connected to andextending outwardly in horizontal fashion from the said verticallydisposed face of said head being located in a borehole provided in amaple tree, an elongated fitting interconnected to the head of the spoutmember at the said bottom portion and extending downwardly therefrom andrearwardly at an angle from the vertical for the attachment of a dropline to said spout member, centrally located axial passageways beingprovided in said spout and in said elongated fitting and intersectingwith one another at their respective inner ends thereof whereby toprovide a straight line passageway for flow of sap through said head, adrop line of predetermined length of flexible, plastic tubing having aspout end and a Tee-connector end connected to said elongated fitting onsaid spout member at the spout end and at the Tee-connector end to thesaid third fitting on said Tee-connector, a quick connect/disconnectfitting being provided at said Tee-connector end of said drop linehaving a female socket provided therein for mating with the lugs on saidthird fitting in bayonet-like fashion, and an upstream branch line offlexible, plastic tubing being connected at one end to said upstreamfitting on the Tee-connector and being connected at its other end to thedownstream fitting of another such Tee-connector located on the trunk ofa second maple tree spaced apart from the said maple tree.

Quite advantageously there is provided by the invention a somewhatsimplified sealed joint for use in readily connecting and disconnectingtubular fluid conducts or the like. Such joint members provide goodtight seals in and of themselves without dependence on gaskets or othermembers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference should be had tothe following detailed description of the invention which is to be readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a grove of maple treesshowing a part of a sap collection system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spout member of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Tee-connector in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 4A is a view in perspective showing a female connector or spikemember according to the invention used to connect a drop line to theTee-connector shown in FIG. 3 with a portion of the body member thereofshown in section to better show the internally located grooves;

FIG. 4B is an end view of the female connector shown in FIG. 4A taken atthe end of the body member so as to better see the vertically disposedgrooves extending inwardly into the body member from the end thereof;

FIG. 5 is a side view in partial cross-section of an end cap for use inproviding a closure on the vertically upright male fitting shown on theTee-connector in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 6, when the drop line isdisconnected from the sap collection system;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a drop line assembly according to the inventionused in the sap collection system of the invention showing therespective locations on a maple tree of the components of the assemblyduring the sap collection period and showing in cross-section the novelspout member of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view with partial cut-away of an adaptor according tothe invention which enables one of the presently installed sapcollection systems using elongated fittings provided with a plurality ofcircumferential ribs thereon to be converted to one that can use theinterchangeable quick connect/disconnect assembly and connectors andfittings according to this invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view in longitudinal section of another adaptor inaccordance with the invention suitable for use in connecting togetheranother elongated fitting of the prior art but one having an additionalcircumferential rib than that shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a male connector or spike member in accordancewith the invention for use in connecting together the adjacent ends oftwo straight line pieces of conduit with a quick connect/disconnectassembly or connector member or fitting according to the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view in partial cross-section of a manifoldconnector according to the invention used in connecting together theadjacent ends of two sections or lengths of a main line conduit and forconnecting four branch line conduits of somewhat smaller diameter to themain line conduit, such connector being provided with the male member ofthe quick connect/disconnect assembly according to one aspect on theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Turning now the the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 thereof asugarbush, or orchard, indicated generally by reference numeral 10,comprising a plurality of spaced-apart maple, or other sap producing,trees 12, each of which has a tree trunk 14. Extending in horizontaldisposition from each tree trunk 14, and connecting one next adjacenttree to another, are suitable lengths of branch line conduit 16. Suchconduit is of flexible, plastic material such as polyvinyl chloridetubing of suitable diameter, e.g., five-sixteenths of an inch indiameter, and forms no part of this invention per se. This manner oftubing is now conventionally used in sap collection systems and may beclear or transparent, or of black color, as desired. Use of blacktubing, according to the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,601, resultsin more rapid thaw-out of frozen sap lines, compared to water-whitetubing. This is due to the fact, according to the patentee, that blackbodies have relatively high heat absorbing properties. In some cases,however, the tubing now being used is of a transparent, e.g., green orpurple, color which appears to provide characteristics that are a blendof those desired in the water white and black tubing, i.e., it allowsobservation of the sap flow, and absorbs some solar heat, contributingto thaw-out of frozen sap pockets. Nevertheless, the transparent green-or purple-colored tubing is believed to adsorb less solar heat than ablack tube which sometimes appears to cause hot spots, which in turncause, or at least contribute to, the build up of bacteria.

The lengths of branch line conduit 16 are connected together end-to-end,in serial fashion, by means of a Tee-connector or fitting 18, as shownin FIG. 1 of the drawing. As will be seen more clearly by reference toFIG. 6, connected to the Tee-connector 18 is a drop line 20, i.e., ashort length of flexible, plastic tubing of the type used for the branchline conduit, the ends of which are connected, respectively, to femalespike member or fitting 22 and spout member 24. The spout member 24intrudes into borehole, or tap, 26 for collection of sap. Thecombination of the spout member 24, drop line 20, female spike 22, andTee-connector 18 constitutes a drop line assembly in accordance with oneaspect of the invention. As will be appreciated by reference to FIG. 1,the downstream, free end of the last length of branch line conduit 16 isconnected into the main line conduit 28 via a manifold connector 30. Thedownstream and upstream ends of adjacent lengths of main line conduit 28are connected together through the manifold connector 30, as seen inFIG. 1. Although not shown in the drawing, it will be appreciated bythose familar with sap collecting systems that the main line conduit 28carries the sap from the trees in the sugarbush from which sap is beingcollected to a central collection point, e.g., a storage tank, to beheld for further processing according to conventional techniques. Themaple sap is then transferred to arches and heated pans where it isthen, according to usual techniques, concentrated to maple syrup, withremoval of excess water. In some cases, the downstream end of the mostdownstream section of the main line conduit may, if desired, beconnected into a vacuum or other pump (not shown), particularly if theterrain of the sugarbush is relatively flat, or gravity flow isinsufficient for best operation of the system. The mainline conduit isof the same plastic material as the branch line conduit, however ofsomewhat greater diameter, e.g, 3/4"-1" being preferred, depending onthe diameter of the manifold connectors.

Thus, there is provided, in accordance with a major aspect of theinvention, a system for the collection of sap from maple trees, or othersap producing trees, comprising an interconnected network of branch lineconduits 16 and a main line conduit 28 for transportation of sap to acentral collection point for subsequent processing to maple syrup andsugar. The sap is collected from each tree 12 located in the system andis transported from the borehole 26 in that tree downwardly through adrop line assembly connected to the branch line conduit via means of aquick connect/disconnect assembly in accordance with a feature of theinvention comprising the Tee-connector 18 and female spike 22. Otherthan as disclosed herein the sap collection system is conventional andwell known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, there is believed tobe no need for disclosure of other features of the collection system orthe processing of the sap to maple syrup or other products.

The main line conduit 28, as will be appreciated by reference to FIG. 1,is supported and held in position, in conventional fashion, a suitable,predetermined distance above the ground by means of a wire cable systemidentified, in general, by reference numeral 32. Such a cable supportsystem 32 for supporting the collection system is conventionally usedand may be supported throughout the sugarbush 10 at desired locations byattachment according to usual technique to certain designated treetrunks, or to upright stakes or posts (not shown) provided specificallyfor this purpose. The main line conduit 28 may be connected to andsupported by the cable system by means of strap hangers 34, if desired,or by other suitable means. Other support means sometimes used areconventional double-headed nails driven into the upright support posts.With such nails the lines may be merely laid thereon or secured by straphangers or the like fastening means. As will be appreciated, althoughnot shown in the drawing for sake of clarity, the branch lines may alsobe supported, as desired. The primary consideration is that the sapcollecting system be installed so that there are no sags in the mainline and branch line conduits thereby avoiding the potential for theformation of stagnant areas of sap. Most desirably, the main line andbranch line conduits will be installed in the collection system so as toprovide a downward slope therein to the collection point, providing goodflow characteristics for the running sap throughout the system, to thefinal collection point. To make certain the system is without sags, theconduit lines are conventionally stretched and made somewhat taut. Whilesuch stretching of the lines in a sap collection system is now commonlydone, the positive locking feature of the Tee-connectors and otherunique fittings and connectors of this invention, as hereafter morefully disclosed, allow for substantial tension to be placed on the linesbeing stretched. Thus, sags in the lines can be more positivelyeliminated. While, as earlier disclosed, the lines can be attached tothe support system by any desired fastening means, such means shouldnot, of course, interfere with the stretching of the lines to eliminateany sags therein.

Spout member 24, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 6 of the drawing,comprises a head or body portion 36 defined by a vertically disposedplanar face 38, a vertically disposed rear portion 40, and ahorizontally disposed planar bottom portion 42, an elongated,circular-shaped spout 44 extending outwardly in horizontal fashion fromthe vertically disposed face 38, and an elongated, circular-shapedfitting 46 interconnected to the head of the spout member 24 at thebottom portion thereof, as shown in FIG. 6. The elongated spout 44 hasan open end 48 of circular-shape into which sap flows when the spoutmember is located in the borehole 26 and which defines the axiallydisposed, circular-shaped passageway 50 in the spout. The passageway 50terminates at its inner end in the head of the spout and communicateswith the inner end of circular-shaped passageway 52 provided in theelongated fitting 46 which terminates in open end 54 of circular-shapeand which defines the passageway 52. The elongated spout 44 is of auniform, circular-shape for a predetermined distance outwardly from thevertical face 38 and then the perimeter of the spout tapers inwardly, asshown in the drawing, terminating at the circular-shaped opening 48 ofsomewhat lesser outside diameter. Thus, the spout can more easily beinserted into, and withdrawn from, borehole 26. Furthermore, the taperedsurface will allow for good frictional engagement of the spout with theperiperal surface of the borehole resulting in a good seal from theenvironment.

Extending inwardly from open end 48 a predetermined distance in theouter perimeter of the elongated spout and extending around thecircumference thereof, preferably, are a plurality of spaced-apartlongitudinal grooves 56. These grooves are believed to intercept andfacilitate the flow of sap from the outer, sweeter part of the treebeing tapped. Furthermore, the grooves 56 appear to help reduce pluggingof the sap wood during sap flow.

Importantly, as will be readily appreciated by reference to FIG. 6, theaxial passageways 50,52 provide a straighter line for flow of the sapthough the spout member of this invention than do such members of theprior art of which I am aware. Thus, the inner ends of the twopassageways intersect with one another at an angle substantially greaterthan 90 degrees, e.g., most preferably an angle of from about 105-110degrees. Such an angle between the spout 44 and the elongated fitting46, moreover, makes easier the cleaning of the spout member and theremoval of wood particles that may be trapped in the spout member andwhich may be carried along with the sap as it travels through the spoutmember.

The elongated fitting 46 on spout member 24 is provided with a pluralityof circumferential ribs 58 each of which is defined by an inner end 60which extends radially outwardly a predetermined distance from theperipheral surface defined by the elongated fitting and concave surface62 that tapers inwardly toward the said peripheral surface to the openend 54 of the fitting. This surface terminates in an outer end 64located directly adjacent and abutting the next rib 58 provided on thefitting. The outer end of the outermost rib terminates at the open end54 of the elongated fitting. As will be appreciated by reference to thedrawings, the inner end 60 provides a sharp corner or flange to betteraffect a reverse seal with any tubing connected therewith during timesof positive internal pressure. The smooth concave surface of the ribprovides for better sealing engagement with tubing and makes for easierinstallation of tubing on such a fitting than those used in sapcollection systems heretofore. The elongated fitting 46 where it joinswith the body portion 36 of the spout member is of somewhat greaterdiameter than at the open end 54 thereof. Thus, the elongated fitting isof somewhat greater strength than if not so tapered. The shape of therear portion 40 of the spout member 24 approximates that of a frustum ofa cone as will be appreciated by reference to FIG. 6, the outer surface66 being only slightly rounded and providing a striking or bearingsurface for installation of the spout member in the borehole. The spoutmember can desirably, sometimes at least, be installed by hand.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of sap collectionsystems, the providing of the elongated fitting at a greater outwardlyextending angle than heretofor with respect to the spout has the addedadvantage of facilitating the removal of the spout member from the treeat the end of the sap harvesting period. Such can be readillyaccomplished without need for tools, resulting in less breakage of spoutmembers, by merely taking a hold of the spout member at its head andwrapping one's fingers around the elongated fitting and twisting thespout member back and forth in a counterclockwise clockwise direction.

The overall size of spout member 24 according to the invention issimilar to those now conventially used, e.g., the spout is about 2 5/16"from the open end 48 to the rear portion 40, and the downwardlyextending elongated fitting 46 extends about 1" below the bottom portion42. In general, the passageways should be about 1/4 inch in diameterwith the passageway in the spout of somewhat greater diameter than thatin the elongated fitting. The outer diameter of the spout should beabout a 1/2 inch, tapering downwardly somewhat toward its open end, at adistance inwardly therefrom about 1". The grooves 56 should extendinwardly from the open end 48 of the spout about 1/4" and be about 3/64"wide and deep. The number of grooves provided on the spout may varysomewhat and will depend somewhat upon the size of the spout butsatisfactory results will generally be found when the grooves are spacedapart about 1/8". The circumferential ribs should be about 1/4" end toend, the inner and outer ends having diameters of about 3/8" and 19/64",respectively. The concave surface is defined by a radius of about 1/2".Nevertheless, as will be appreciated, such dimensions may be variedsomewhat, if desired.

The drop line 20, as shown in FIG. 6, is connected at one end to theelongated fitting 46 located on the spout member 24 and at the other endthereof to female member or spike 22. Spike 22 comprises an elongatedbody member 68 defined by a circular-shaped perimeter and top andbottom, horizontally disposed, planar surfaces 70, 72, parallel to oneanother. Extending vertically upwardly and outwardly from said topplanar surface 70 and in perpendicular disposition thereto, there isprovided a centrally disposed elongated fitting 74 which terminates incircular-shaped open end 76 which, in turn, defines an axial alinedpassageway 78 (See FIG. 6) connecting with the said top surface 70. Thiselongated fitting is provided with a plurality of circumferential ribs58 like those earlier described in the case of elongated fitting 46. Aswill be more readily appreciated by reference to FIG. 6, the diameter ofthe elongated fitting 74 is somewhat greater at its inner end than atits outer end providing good strength characteristics. Nevertheless, thediameter of passageway 78 is constant throughout its length.

In the bottom surface 72 of spike member 22, and extending inwardlythereof a predetermined distance vertically, there is provided acentrally disposed, circular-shaped end 80 which defines acircular-shaped axial alined passageway 82 of somewhat greater diameterthan that of passageway 78, the reason for which will soon be madeclear. The passageway 78 extends beyond the top surface 70 and into bodymember 68 a short distance, communicating at its inner end 84 with theinner end 86 (FIG. 6) of passageway 82. The inner end 86 is preferablyof frusto-conical shape as seen more clearly in FIG. 6, the purpose forwhich will soon be made known. Nevertheless, instead of beingfrusto-conical, this end can be rounded, though less desired. Open end80 terminates at and defines an outwardly extending planarcircular-shaped surface 88 parallel to planar top surface 70 and whichis of a predetermined lesser radius than that of body member 68. Theouter periphery of surface 88 defines the inner end of planar surface 90which tapers downwardly and outwardly therefrom at a predetermined angleand terminates at the outer peripheral surface of body member 68 atbottom planar surface 72.

Extending inwardly a predetermined distance from end surface 88 areprovided a pair of vertically disposed slots or grooves 92, 94 (FIG.4A), located diametrically in opposition to one another. The inner endsof these grooves terminate in a plane parallel to that defined by endsurface 88. Grooves 92,94 communicate at their inner ends withhorizontally disposed, annular-shaped slots or grooves 96, 98,respectively, which are defined by passageway 82 on their inner side andon their outer side by outer circular-shaped wall 100 which iscoextensive with the outer periphery of end surface 88. Verticallydisposed grooves 92, 94 are defined further (FIG. 4B) by verticallydisposed, spaced apart sides 102, 104 and 106, 108, respectively. Aswill be appreciated, the inner and outer defines of grooves 92, 94 arelikewise defined by passageway 82 and the outer periphery ofannular-shaped surface 88. The horizontally disposed grooves 96, 98 aredisposed in opposition to one another and by outer and inner ends 110,112 and 114, 116, respectively. The outer ends 110 and 114 are in thesame planes defined by vertically disposed sides 102 and 108 of grooves92, 94. The inner ends 112, 116 are of preferably rounded construction,as readily seen by reference to FIG. 5 wherein similar grooves areprovided in the end cap hereinafter fully described. Horizontallydisposed grooves 96, 98 are further defined by upper and bottomspaced-apart surfaces 118, 120 located in planes parallel to thatdefined by end surface 88. Referring to FIG. 5, for a somewhat furtherdiscription of the grooves, it will be seen that a protrusion 122extends outwardly from bottom surface 120 and vertically upwardly apredetermined distance, the reason for which will soon be disclosed. Theprotrusion 122 is defined by horizontally disposed planar top surface124 and rounded or concave side edges 126, 128 which taper outwardly anddownwardly from top surface 124, terminating at the horizontallydisposed bottom surface 120. Those end edges 126, 128 also taper towardone from the outer edges of the protrusion 122 to its inner edge definedby the outer peripheral surface of axial alined passageway 82. In directopposition to protrusion 122 there is provided in top surface 118 anindent 130, later more fully described. A similar protrusion 123 andindent 131 is provided in groove 98.

Female spike or connector 22 in use combines with the Tee-connector 18,as shown in FIG. 6, to provide a quick connect and disconnect assemblyin accordance with a further aspect of the invention. Tee-connector 18,as will be best seen by reference to FIG. 3, comprises a body member 132defined by top and bottom, horizontally disposed, planar surfaces 134,136, in parallel relationship to one another, vertically disposed,parallel, front and back surfaces 138, 140, and first and second,planar, vertically disposed side members 142, 144. Connected to andextending outwardly and vertically upwardly from top surface 134 is acentrally disposed elongated, circular-shaped fitting or male member 146which terminates in outer end 148 and defines an axially alinedpassageway 150 which extends inwardly into the body member 132 andcommunicates with a horizontally disposed passageway 152 extendingbetween and connecting side members 142, 144. As will be appreciatedfrom FIGS. 3 and 6, the outer end 148 is rounded or "ball" shapedwhereby to form a tight, i.e. leakproof, seal when coming in contact andmating engagement with the frusto-conical shaped inner end 86 ofpassageway 82 in female spike 22.

Extending in horizontal disposition outwardly from respective sidemembers 142, 144 and perpendicular thereto are centrally disposed firstand second elongated fittings 154, 156 which terminate respectively incircular-shaped open ends 158, 160. These open ends 158, 160 defineaxially alined passageways 162, 164 which terminate respectively at sidemembers 142, 144 and communicate with horizontally disposed passageway152 providing a straight line path for flow of sap from one branch line16 to another and from tree-to-tree. The elongated fittings 154, 156 areof like construction as elongated fitting 46 connected to spout member24 and are each provided with a plurality of circumferential ribs forconnecting the branch lines to the Tee-connector. The ribbed connectorsof this invention provide improved sealing engagement over such ribbedconnectors known heretofore which, apparently, results from the factthat the tubing better adheres to the curved surface provided on theribs, as disclosed herein. The collection system is subjected to bothnegative and positive pressures during the sap harvesting season,positive when the sap is running and negative during the intermittentcycles; accordingly, it is important that the tubing connections be suchas to be able to withstand any such pressures that develop so that thetubing will not be blown off the fitting resulting in wasted sap anddowntime for repair of the system with attendant costs and loss inproduction.

The vertically disposed male fitting 146 terminates at its inner end andis centrally disposed on and perpendicular to horizontally disposedplanar surface 166 having a circular shape of a predetermined diameter.Extending downwardly from the perimeter defined by circular-shapedsurface 166 and at a predetermined angle from the vertical is a flangedefining outwardly tapered surface 168 which terminates at its lowerperipheral end defined by a second predetermined diameter athorizontally disposed top planar surface 134 of the body member 132.Circular-shaped planar surface 166 is parallel to planar surface 134.Thus, when Tee-connector 18 and spike 22 are in mating engagement, aswill be appreciated by reference to FIG. 6, tapered surface 168 will bein tight, sealing engagement with tapered surface 90. As a result, thereis provided a further, outer seal between such mating members,protecting the joint formed therebetween from outside (weather)elements.

Located intermediate outer end 148 of elongated fitting 146 andcircular-shaped surface 166 and extending horizontally outwardlytherefrom in horizontal disposition and in opposition to one another arelugs 170, 172. These lugs extend outwardly equidistantly from fitting146 and terminate in respective ends 174, 176. Each lug is defined bytop and bottom, spaced-apart surfaces designated by reference numerals178, 180, in the case of lug 170, connected together respectively byedges 182, 184 (lug 170) which are rounded, as shown more clearly inFIG. 6, so as to conform to the rounded inner ends in the horizontallydisposed grooves 96, 98 in female spike 22, and for another purpose aswill soon be made clear. The lug 172 is of the same construction anddoes not, it is believed, need be further described herein.

Extending downwardly from the body member 132 and integral therewith isa supporting member 186 for detachably fastening the Tee-connector 18 tothe trunk of the tree from which sap is being collected. Supportingmember 186 is defined by planar front and back faces 188, 190 whichtaper inwardly toward one another at equal angles and intersect at apredetermined vertical distance downwardly from bottom surface 136, andvertically disposed parallel first and second spaced-apart sides 192,194. Intermediate the bottom extent of the supporting member 186 andbody member 132 there is provided an opening 196 which extendscompletely through the supporting member from the front face 188 to theback face 190. Thus, the Tee-connector can, as shown in the drawing, bedetachably connected to the trunk 14 of a tree from which sap is beingcollected by a nail 198 or other elongated fastening means. Importantly,when the Tee-connector 18 is located on the tree, the tapered backsurface 190 will necessarily direct the Tee-connector in a directionoutwardly from the tree trunk, as seen in FIG. 6. Thus, spike 22 andTee-connector 18 can be readily disconnected from one another withoutremoval of the Tee-connector from the tree and another length of dropline connected thereto, if desired, or the tree can be isolated from sapharvesting, if desired, as later disclosed. Also of importance, theTee-connector is so positioned on the tree that the quick connectassembly is directed upwardly so that the drop line 20 can be connectedthereto without formation of a sag with attendant accumulation ofstagnant sap during intermittent periods of flow. This can be readilyaccomplished no matter what the length of the drop line provided bymerely tying the drop line against the tree trunk so that it providesdownward flow to the connector. It will be appreciated, however, thatone of the major advantages of this invention is that drop lines ofdifferent lengths can readily be provided for use when and as desired.The operator of the sugarbush can, if desired, keep on hand variouslengths of drop line already fitted with spout member and female spikefor use as needed.

In operation, the female spike 22 is associated with the Tee-connector18 in such fashion that the lugs 170, 172 are lined up with thevertically disposed grooves 92, 94. The spike member and Tee-connector(male member) are then pushed together, to seat tapered surface 90 ontapered surface 168, and the two members are then rotated or twistedwith respect to one another in opposite directions. Thus, the lugs 170,172 are caused to travel horizontally in respective horizontallydisposed grooves or slots 96, 98 (FIG. 4A) until the rounded edges ofthe lugs bottom against the respective inner rounded ends of thegrooves. During such travel, and as the two members are rotated, theleading rounded edges of the lugs will encounter respective protrusions122, 123 at which time the operator will experience a slight resistantto rotation. With a somewhat additional slight application of force, therounded edges of the lugs will be caused to ride up the tapered (orrounded) edges of the protrusions and over the top surfaces of each,down the reverse side of the protrusions, back into the groove and tothe end thereof. Thus, the lugs provided on the fitting of theTee-connector become trapped behind the respective protrusions in thehorizontally disposed grooves of the female spike providing a positivelocking feature to the assembly and preventing inadvertent separation ofthe two members from one another. Of some importance is the fact thatduring the rotation of the two members and joining them intointerlocking engagement with one another, the operator will not onlyfeel the meeting of the lugs with the respective protrusions, he willgenerally also be aware of a faint clicking noise signaling that thelugs have met and passed over the respective protrusions and that thetwo members are in sealed, interlocking engagement with one another.

To provide an even tighter and more positive seal between the male andfemale members of the quick connect/disconnect assembly, the top andbottom surfaces of the horizontally disposed grooves or slots 96, 98 canbe provided so as to describe a helix. Although the pitch of such ahelix can vary somewhat, good results will be obtained in a helix havinga pitch of from about 0.008" to about 0.031". Thus, as the lugs 170, 172travel along the horizontally disposed grooves in the female spike, suchtravel will be along an ever increasing angle from the horizontal,resulting in the male member 146 of the Tee-connector being forced intoever tighter sealing engagement in the inner end 86 of the passageway inthe female spike. Thus, the helix defined by the horizontally disposedgrooves in the female spike causes the ball end 148 of the male memberto be forced into ever tighter sealing engagement with the cone-shapedend 86 of the spike 22.

The extent of the rotation of the two interlocking members with respectto one another will depend, of course, on the length of the horizontallydisposed grooves. In general, the one member will be rotated about 1/4turn with respect to the other member. Such will allow sufficient spacefor provision of the locking protrusions in the grooves and forproviding a space in the grooves beyond the protrusions for entrapmentof the lugs.

The dimensions of female spike 22 and T-connector 18 can be variedsomewhat as desired. The main consideration is, of course, that thevertically and horizontally disposed grooves provided in the femalespike be of such size as to accommodate the lugs 170, 172 provided onthe Tee-connector 18, and that the angles generating the taperedsurfaces 90 and 168 be such as to complement one another so that whenthe two members are in assembly with one another, and in operativeengagement, these tapered surfaces will be in direct, sealing contact.In general, the body member 68 of the female spike 22 can have adiameter of about 13/16" and be about 7/8" in length, in which case theelongated ribbed connector will be about 1" long with 3 circumferentialribs provided thereon. The vertically disposed grooves can be about3/16" wide extending inwardly into the body member about 1/4". Thehorizontally disposed grooves can be about an 1/8" in depth and definean arc of about 105 degrees. The tapered surface 90 can be defined by anangle of about 45 degrees. In such a case, the body member 132 of theTee-connector will be about 13/16" square having a depth of about17/32". The tapered front and back faces 188, 190 can be defined by a 60degree angle from the horizontal and extending downwardly from the bodymember about 5/8". The elongated fittings 154, 156, like those describedearlier, will each extend outwardly about 1" from the sides of theTee-connector. The length of elongated fitting 146 can be about 37/64"and have a diameter about 13/32"; however, the main consideration isthat its length and diameter be such as to be accommodated by thepassageway 82 in the female spike 22. The rounded end of elongatedfitting 146 can be generated from a radius of about 3/32" and will beseated in the frusto-conical shaped end 86 having an angle of about 30degrees with respect to the horizontal. The lugs 170, 172, as earlierdisclosed, should be of such dimensions as to be accommodated by thevertical and horizontally disposed bayonet slots in the female spikemember of the quick connect assembly. In general, each lug will extendoutwardly from the upright circular-shaped male member about 1/8" andhave a width of about 3/16" and a depth vertically of about 1/8". Thecritical thing, however, is that such lugs each be so dimensioned as tofit into and travel as desired within the vertical and horizontallydisposed grooves provided in the female spike 22, and without any hangupor binding. As earlier disclosed, the lugs 170, 172 are each providedwith rounded edges so as to be able to slide over the protrusionslocated in the respective grooves 96, 98 which provide a predeterminedobstacle to travel of the lugs and to the rotation of the two connectingmembers with respect to one another. Such obstacle, however, providesfor the positive locking feature of the asssembly in accordance with theinvention, once the rotation or twisting action has been completed andthe lugs have "clicked" into the locking position. It will beappreciated that the edges of the protrusions can be, if desired, of aslightly concave configuration to better conform to the rounded edges ofthe lugs and to allow for somewhat less resistance to movement of thelugs thereover. The protrusions are of a pie shape, i.e., wider at theouter edge thereof than at the inner edge. Thus, good results have beenfound where each protrusion measures about 3/32" at its outer edge, theside edges thereof tapering inwardly toward one another and terminatingat the inner edge, i.e., at the periphery defined by passageway 82, andspaced apart from one another about 1/32". Nevertheless, it will beappreciated that these dimensions can vary somewhat to provide greateror less resistance to travel of the lugs in the respective grooves. Ingeneral, the side edges of the protrusions can be made less rounded ortapered, or the protrusions can be made to extend outwardly to a greaterextent from the wall of the grooves, if greater resistance is required.Also, somewhat greater resistance will be provided if the protrusionsare made somewhat less of a pie shape than disclosed herein. Whateverthe dimensions and shape of the protrusions provided in the grooves, itwill be appreciated that the indents provided in opposition thereto,provided on the opposite wall of the grooves will need be of such depthas to accommodate the lugs when they travel over the top surfaces of theprotrusions. Also, the indents will each need be wide enough from edgeto edge thereof and located relative to the protrusions to accommodatethe width of the lugs and to allow them to ride up the leading edge ofthe protrusion, travel along the top surface thereof, and to clear thetrailing edge of the protrusion without hangup. The rounded or concaveedges of the indents will, of course, be essentially the mirror image ofthose opposed edges on the protrusions. In practice, as the two membersare twisted relative to one another, a leading edge of a lug will firstencounter the leading concave edge of a protrusion and be caused totravel along that edge up to and over the top surface of the protrusion.At the same time, the bottom trailing edge of the lug will drop into theindent traveling along its leading rounded edge and along its bottomplanar surface. The bottom leading edge of the lug will then encounterthe concave or rounded trailing edge of the indent, causing the lug toride thereup and back into and along the horizontally disposed grooveuntil the leading edge of the lug encounters the rounded end of thegroove. When the two members are rotated in the opposite direction withrespect to one another, the reverse happens. On passing over theprotrusions the lugs will encounter the inner ends of respectivevertically disposed grooves. The two members can then be separated fromone another by merely pulling each member in the opposite direction fromthe other. Although the indents and protrusions are shown in thedrawings to be located on the top and bottom surfaces, respectively ofthe horizontally disposed grooves, it will be appreciated that suchlocations can be reversed, if desired, with the same function andresults being obtained. Also, if desired, the horizontally disposedslots can be provided in opposite directions than disclosed in thedrawings.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, reference shouldnow be made to FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawing wherein there are shownadaptors 200 and 202. Adaptor 200 is defined by an elongated bodyportion 204 of circular shape, a top planar surface 206 and a bottomplanar surface 208 parallel thereto. Extending inwardly from the bottomplanar surface 208, and centrally disposed therein is an axial alinedpassageway 210 of predetermined diameter. Provided along the passagewayare circumferential indentations 212, 214 conforming in shape anddimensions to circumferential ribs provided on an elongated connector orfitting for plastic tubing. Such elongated ribbed fittings are wellknown and commonly now used in sap collection systems, their deficiencesprompting the inventions disclosed in this application. Fittings of thistype are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,299,053 and 4,366,648, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In general,however, these elongated fittings of the prior art are of frusto-conicalshape as disclosed in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,053. Furthermore,they are spaced apart along the elongated fitting so that eachcircumferential rib is separated from the next adjacent one by a portionof the peripheral surface defined by the diameter of the fitting. Thus,as disclosed in FIG. 7 of the instant drawings, there is provided inpassageway 210 the inwardly tapered surfaces or indentations 212, 214 offrusto-conical shape separated by a circular-shaped surface 216 definedby the diameter of the passageway 210.

Extending vertically upwardly from and centrally disposed on top surface206 of adaptor 200 is a male member or portion 218 of circular-shapecomprising one member of a quick connect/disconnect assembly accordingto this invention, earlier described in some detail. Such memberterminates at outer end 220 thereof and defines an axial alinedcircular-shaped passageway 222 extending inwarding into body portion 204and communicating with passageway 210. The circular-shaped member 218terminates at its inner end and is integral with circular-shaped planarsurface 224 parallel to top surface 206. Extending downwardly andoutwardly fron the periphery defined by surface 224 is a flange definingtapered surface 226. Lugs 228, 230 extend outwardly from the male member218 and are of like construction as those earlier described with respectto the male member 146 on T-connector 18.

Adaptor 202 is of similar construction as adaptor 200, except that athird circumferential indent 227 is provided therein. Those skilled inthe art of sap collection systems will appreciate that thecircumferential rib indents provided in the passageway in the adaptorbody portion need not be the same in number or of the same exactconfiguration as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Not only can a larger orsmaller number of circumferential rib indents be provided in passageway210, such indents can be of any particular configuration to accommodateelongated fittings provided with circumferential ribs known heretofore.For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,104, earlier disclosed, there isdisclosed in FIG. 2 thereof, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein, an elongated fitting in which the circumferential ribs are offrusto-conical shape; however, next adjacent ribs on the fitting are,contrary to those other prior art ribs described earlier, in directcontact with one another without any separation therebetween.

The adaptors according to this invention will find ready use inconverting an existing sap collection system to one as disclosed hereinmaking use of the various connectors and fittings of this inventionwhich incorporate the quick connect/disconnect feature disclosed. Theelongated prior art ribbed fittings can be merely pushed into thecorresponding adaptor provided in accordance with this invention to forma permanent connection therebetween. Nevertheless, if desired, bettersealing engagement may be obtained in certain conversions by use ofsealing materials and adhesives known to the those skilled in the art.It will be readily appreciated that the same double seal is formed whenadaptor 200 or 202 is in mating engagement with spike 22 as earlierdisclosed.

In a further aspect of this invention there is provided astraight-through male spike or member 228 as disclosed in FIG. 9. Themale spike 228 is defined by an elongated body member 230 of circularshape having a top planar surface 232 and a bottom planar surface 234parallel to the said top surface. An elongated centrally disposedfitting 236 as previously described herein in reference to FIG. 6 havingcircumferential ribs provided thereon extends downwardly from the bottomsurface, terminating at the outer circular-shaped end 238. This enddefines an axial alined passageway 240 which extends inwardly into bodymember 230. Extending outwardly from top surface 232 of the male spikeis a male connector or member 242 of a construction like that earlieddescribed. Male connector 242 terminates at its outer end and defines acircular-shaped passageway 244 which extends inwardly into the bodymember 230 and communicates with passageway 240 of like diameter. Thus,if desired, there can be provided a quick connect/disconnect connectionin a straight line, e.g., between two branch line conduits, using thismale spike and a female spike such as disclosed in FIG. 4A.

As disclosed in FIG. 9, the body member 230 can be provided, if desired,with diametrically opposed, parallel, flat surfaces, only one of whichis shown in the drawing and denoted by reference numeral 246. Such flatsurfaces will define planes parallel to and located equidistantly from aplane bisecting the male spike or elongated fitting 228 longitudinallyand which extends through and divides in half the opposed lugs 248, 250.Thus, these flat surfaces will serve as a label for the operatorallowing automatic, rapid ergonomic joining of a male spike with afemale spike 22 or other female fitting disclosed herein regardless ofthe weather conditions or light available. These labels will alsofacilitate the assembly of the two members together under coldconditions when the operator is wearing gloves. Such labels should alsobe provided on the body member of the female spike or connector in sucha manner that the flat surfaces are provided in planes parallel to aplane bisecting the vertically disposed grooves. If desired, otherlabels can be provided on the male or female members of the quickconnect and disconnect assembly. For example, in FIG. 9, there are shownlugs or protrusions 252, 254 provided on the body member 230. These lugsextend outwardly from the body member and in diametric opposition to oneanother. Lugs 252, 254 are provided in a plane bisecting the male spikelongitudinally and the lugs 248, 250 provided on the male member 242.Labels such as lugs 252, 254, where and if desired, can be appropriatelylocated in complimentary fashion on other mating fittings andconnections disclosed in this application.

Now referring to FIG. 10, there is disclosed a manifold connector 30 forconnecting the ends of mainline conduit 28 as shown in FIG. 1 of thedrawing. Manifold connector 30 comprises an elongated,cylindrical-shaped body member 256 having an upstream, circular-shapedopen end 258 and a downstream, circular-shaped, open end 260 defining anaxial alined passageway 262 therein communicating with the open ends.Provided on the outside surface of the body member 256, adjacent eachend thereof, are a plurality of circumferential ribs 264. The ribs areeach defined by an outwardly extending circular-shaped inner end 266 ofsomewhat greater diameter than that of the body member 256 and aslightly concave peripheral surface 268 which extends toward therespective ends of the manifold connector and terminates at an outer endhaving the same diameter as the body member. In general, thecircumferential ribs 264 will be of like dimension; however, if desired,the outermost rib in the series of ribs can be provided inwardlysomewhat from the respective open end of the connector, as shown in FIG.10. Otherwise, the ribs will be directly adjacent one another, i.e., theouter end of a rib will directly abut the inner end of the next adjacentcircumferential rib provided on the connector.

The manifold connector 30 shown in FIG. 10 is provided with four maleconnector members 270 such as earlier disclosed herein for providing onemember of the quick connect/disconnect assembly in accordance with theinvention. Each of such male connectors is integrally connected at itsbottom to a portion 272 of the manifold which extends outwardlytherefrom at an angle less than 90 degrees and directed toward theupstream end of the connector. As shown in the drawing, the maleconnectors 270 are provided in directly opposed pairs, the axialpassageways 274 therein communicating with the passageway 262 in themanifold connector which is of somewhat larger diameter than thediameter of passageways 274 to accommodate the incoming flow of sap fromthe branch line conduits. It will be appreciated that, although themanifold connector 30 in FIG. 10 is shown to be provided with four maleconnector members according to the invention, that such is not criticalto this aspect of the invention. The manifold connector can have more orfewer such connectors as desired. Although the connector members 270 inFIG. 10 are disclosed to be in pairs and in opposition to one another,i.e., in the same plane, such need not be the case. Other configurationscan be constructed as desired. Moreover, a connector for merelyconnecting two lengths of mainline conduit together can be providedwithout any male connectors thereon, making use only of the novelcircumferential ribs as disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawing, there is seen therein an end cap276 having a circular-shaped body member 278 and a thumb-finger grippingportion 280. The body member 278 is of the same configuration as thebody member 68 of the female spike 22 disclosed earlier herein and,accordingly needs no further detailed description. Body member 278 isprovided with the same bayonet grooves as earlier described and asdefined by reference numerals 92, 94 and 96, 98 allowing for assemblywith the lugs on the male member 146 of a T-connector or those on themale member 242 of a male spike 228, or with any such members on themanifold connector, as desired. Thus, with such an end cap, any portionof the sap collection system while still installed on the trees can besealed off, or isolated, as desired. The thumb-finger gripping portion280 is provided with two, parallel, opposed flat surfaces, only one ofwhich is shown in the drawing (FIG. 5), referred to, in general, byreference numeral 282. These flat surfaces provide a label to theoperator, as earlier disclosed, and are alined with respect to the bodymember 278 to allow automatic ergonomic alinement with any connectorhaving a male fitting, e.g., the Tee-connector 18. Thus, any suchmembers of the invention which in combination constitute a quickconnect/disconnect assembly can be readily connected together under anyenvironmental conditions, if provided with such label means as disclosedherein. It will be appreciated that in order to accomplish this feature,though not specifically shown in the drawing, that the flat surfaces onthe thumb-finger gripping portion 280 will define planes parallel to oneanother and to a plane bisecting the vertically disposed grooves in thebody member and equidistant on each side thereof. If desired, an opening284 can be provided in the thumb-finger grip 280 for location ofidentifying means such as a hang tag. Thus, the operator can merely tiea tag onto the end cap which identifies the tree by number or otherpurpose.

The various fittings and connectors disclosed herein constitue a familyof interchangeable fittings suitable for use in the installation of sapcollection systems, or in the conversion of existing systems to one asdisclosed herein. The various fittings can be manufactured byconventional molding techniques and from various plastic materials,e.g., nylon, polyvinyl chloride resins, ABS resins, Delrin polyacetalresin, etc. known to the art. These plastic compositions can includevarious fillers usually provided in such compositions to obtain theoptimum physical properties. Preferably the fittings will be of a clearor transparent material enabling the operator of the sugarbush toobserve the sap flow and, importantly, to readily determine the locationof any problems in the system, e.g., blockages caused by wood particles,frozen sap pockets, etc. so that such problems can be more readilycorrected than with existing systems.

As usual, the fittings can be provided, if desired, with rounded, orcut-off, corners where two surfaces come together, as shown in thedrawings to facilitate their extraction from the mold. In other cases, afitting may be provided with an undercut portion for the same purposeacccording to usual molding techniques. The sizes given above are merelyby way of example and may be varied, as desired, to obtain optimumfunctioning or manufacture.

The use of the various fittings disclosed herein in the installation ormodification of a sap collection system needs, it is believed, nofurther explanation. Such a system can be readily and easily installedand when so installed will result in an interconnected air and watertight system capable of withstanding pressures not heretofore endured.Thus, a sap collection system in accordance with this invention can, ingeneral, withstand air and water pressures in the order of 100 lbs/in²,allowing for use of high pressure cleaning systems in the cleaning ofstanding installations without danger of fittings being blown off.During such cleaning the drop line will be disconnected from theTee-connector and such will be capped off with an end cap as disclosedherein to provide a closed system. With the ease provided by the quickconnect/disconnect fittings according to this invention, one can readilyprovide a drop line of any length needed to reach to a new boreholeprovided in a particular tree. Thus, use of the family of fittings ofthis invention should, over time, lead to healthier trees and a moreproductive sugarbush. The end cap 280 of the invention provides ease inthe isolation of any portion of a sugar bush, or any particular trees inthe sugarbush. This can readily be accomplished by disconnecting thedrop line from the Tee-connector and replacing the female spikeconnected thereto with the end cap. Both the female spike and the endcap are provided with the same female connectors, i.e., the bayonetgrooves, for the male member on the Tee-connector, making the fittingsinterchangable with one another. The spout member and drop line, i.e.,the drop line assembly according to the invention, can then either beplaced in storage for later use, or cleaned, or used on another tree. Atthe end of the sap collection season, the system can be easilydisassembled, if desired, making it possible to store the system fromone season to the next. Such is particularly of advantage in preventingdestruction from animals traversing the sugarbush and falling trees andlimbs. At such time the system can be cleaned and prepared forinstallation the next season. If desired, however, the branch lines canbe left installed in the sugarbush and cleaned in place withconventional high pressure cleaning systems. Prior to doing so, however,all drop lines should be disconnected and the Tee-connector desirablycapped with an end cap, as provided herein. If desired, a branch linecan be sealed off, or isolated from the rest of the system by use of amale spike, as disclosed earlier. Thus, the entire collection system inplace can be sealed off with no fittings left open or exposed to theenvironment between sugaring seasons, to attract insects, whichfrequently plug the fittings and lines with dirt, mud, and other debrisand which is often difficult to detect and remove. Moreover, providing aclosed system in accordance with this invention will help preventcontaminating agents, bacteria, etc. from coming into contact with themaple sap, a highly desirable objective as such is a food product.

Existing sap collecting systems can be readily and with ease convertedto a system using the quick connect/disconnect assembly and fittingsaccording to this invention. Thus, one merely need place an adaptoraccording to the invention over the existing elongated fitting. Oncesuch is accomplished, the various fittings of this invention can beused.

A further feature of this invention is that such lends itself to theproviding of a kit for the installation or modification of a sapcollection system. Such a kit, in general, will comprise a plurality ofthe spouts, female spikes, male spikes, manifold connectors, and endcaps having the construction of those provided by this invention. Thesize of the kit, i.e., the number of fittings provided therein may, ofcourse, depend upon the number of trees in the sugarbush. If the purposeis to convert an existing system to one using the fittings disclosedherein, the kit will also contain a plurality of appropriate adaptors.In addition, the kit provided may include one or more rolls of plastictubing for use as branch lines and mainline conduit. Or such tubing canbe provided in predesignated lengths. Where provided in rolls, asuitable length can be extracted therefrom, cut off and used forinstallation of the branch lines by use of the Tee-connectors disclosedherein. Importantly, however, drop lines of different lengths as desiredfor best tapping can be used in making up suitable drop line assemblies,e.g., lengths of 36", 30", and 18" can be prepared in advance. Such droplines can then be used anywhere in the system desired as such arecompletely interchangable with one another. For example, this year agiven tree may require a drop line that would be ideally 36" long. Thenext year that same tree, because of the location of the new tap holemay require an 18" long drop line. Such a different length can bereadily provided, however, either from inventory or from a treerequiring a different length.

While the present invention has been described in connection with thecollection of maple sap, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that many features of the system can be advantageously employed inthe collection of sap from other trees or vegetation capable of exertinghydraulic pressure in the manner of sap producing maple trees.Furthermore, various of the components, e.g., the quickconnect/disconnect connectors and fittings, used in the sap collectionsystem disclosed herein will find application in other tubing systemswherever positive sealing and a quick connect/disconnect feature isdesired. Thus, for example, the various connectors and adaptersdisclosed herein can be used in various other fields of endeavor, e.g.in the medical field, in hospitals where tubing systems are used todispense liquid medicine, in chemical plants involving conduit forliquids, in gas line connections and in the fuel industry, in the home,etc. It will be further appreciated that the broad aspects of theinvention will find application wheresoever two members need beconnected/disconnected together in rapid fashion, whether or not suchmembers are of tubular configuration. It will also be appreciated thatother shaped connectors than those disclosed herein can be provided withthe quick connect/disconnect feature. For example, the ends of aconnector in the shape of a 90 degree elbow can be provided with eitherthe male or female component disclosed. Or one end can be provided withthe male fitting and the other with the female fitting. The fitting maytake other than a 90 degree angle. The fitting provided with the quickconnect/disconnect members may be in the shape of Tee other than asdisclosed earlier and have one member of the assembly provided on eachopen end.

Other modifications and changes, as will be understood by those skilledin the art, can be made in the invention and its form and constructionwithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The embodiments ofthe invention disclosed herein are merely exemplary of the variousmodifications that the invention can take and the preferred practicethereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to theexact construction and features shown and described herein, but it isdesired to include all such as properly come within the spirit and scopeof the invention disclosed.

What I claim is:
 1. In a system for collecting sap from a grove of sapproducing trees comprising a main line conduit, a plurality of firstbranch lines connected to said main line conduit, and a plurality ofsecond branch lines connected to said first branch lines and connectingone tree to another by means of a Tee-connector attached to eachrespective tree in the grove of maple trees, a drop line ofpredetermined length of flexible plastic tubing having a first end and asecond end, and a spout member comprising an elongated, horizontallydisposed spout having an open end defining a passageway therethrough, anelongated fitting being provided on said spout member having apassageway therein communicating with that in the said spout and beingconnected to said drop line at said first end, and a fitting beingprovided on said Tee-connector and being connected to said drop line atthe said second end, the improvement comprising said drop line beingconnected to said Tee-connector by a quick connect/disconnect assemblycomprising in combination:(a) a first member defined by a horizontallydisposed, circular-shaped, planar surface, a flange extending downwardlyfrom said horizontally disposed, circular-shaped, planar surface apredetermined distance and defining an outwardly disposed tapered planarsurface, a centrally disposed, elongated, circular-shaped memberextending in vertical disposition upwardly from said horizontallydisposed, circular-shaped, planar surface and being perpendicularthereto the end of which is defined by a plane parallel to saidhorizontally disposed planar surface, a pair of lugs being provided onsaid circular-shaped member at a location intermediate said end and saidcircular-shaped, planar surface and extending outwardly from saidcircular-shaped member equal distant and in diametric oppositedirections in the same plane parallel to said circular-shaped, planarsurface; and (b) a second member comprising an elongated circular-shapedbody member defined by an outer circular-shaped peripheral surfaceterminating at one end thereof in a horizontally disposed, planar face,a centrally disposed, circular-shaped passageway being provided in saidsecond member extending inwardly from said planar face therein anddefining a first inner peripheral surface, said centrally disposed,circular-shaped passageway having a length complementary to the lengthof said circular-shaped, elongated member on said first member so as toaccommodate the location of the said circular-shaped member therein whenthe said first and second members are in operative association with oneanother, a pair of elongated grooves being provided in and extendingoutwardly from said first inner peripheral surface in direct oppositionto one another terminating in and defining a second inner peripheralsurface, each of said grooves being defined by parallel, spaced-apartsides and an outer end in a plane perpendicular to said sides andlocated a predetermined distance inwardly from said horizontallydisposed, planar surface and an inner end in a plane parallel to saidouter end, an outwardly extending tapered surface connecting togethersaid outer circular-shaped peripheral surface and the said second namedinner peripheral surface, said tapered flange in the said first membermating with the tapered surface in the second member when said first andsecond members are in operative association with one another, a pair ofdiametrically opposed, horizontally disposed, grooves being provided inand extending outwardly from said first named inner peripheral surfaceof the passageway defined by horizontally disposed top and bottomsurfaces terminating at said second named inner peripheral surface, eachof said horizontally disposed grooves being further defined by first andsecond ends and being disposed in perpendicular relationship to andintersecting at one end thereof with the inner end of a respectiveelongated groove and being in such relationship thereto so as to be ableto rotate said first member in a direction opposite to that of saidsecond member whereby said lugs can travel into respective horizontallydisposed grooves when the first and second members are located inoperative relationship with one another whereby to provide the twomembers in locked engagement with one another or to disconnect the twomembers and whereby said spout member and drop line can be readilyconnected to and disconnected from said Tee-connector, as desired, saidTee-connector comprising the first member and the second member beingconnected to the drop line at said second end.
 2. In a system accordingto claim 1 wherein the improvement further comprises an end cap forplacement on the Tee-connector when the drop line is disconnected fromthe Tee-connector whereby an air and water tight closed system isprovided, said end cap comprising an elongated circular-shaped bodymember defined by an outer circular-shaped peripheral surfaceterminating at one end thereof in a horizontally disposed, planar face,a centrally disposed, circular-shaped passageway being provided in saidbody member extending inwardly form said planar face therein anddefining a first inner peripheral surface, said centrally disposed,circular-shaped passageway having a length complementary to the lengthof said circular-shaped, elongated member on the said first member so asto accommodate the location of the circular-shaped member of the saidfirst member therein when the said first member and end cap are inoperative association with one another, a pair of elongated groovesbeing provided in and extending outwardly from said first innerperipheral surface in direction opposition to one another terminating inand defining a second inner peripheral surface, each of said groovesbeing defined by parallel, spaced-apart sides and an outer endperpendicular to said sides and located a predetermined distanceinwardly from said horizontally disposed, planar surface and an innerend parallel to said outer end, an outwardly extending tapered surfaceconnecting together said outer circular-shaped peripheral surface andthe said second named inner peripheral surface, said tapered flange inthe said first member mating with the second named tapered surface whensaid first member and end cap are in operative association with oneanother, a pair of diametrically opposed, horizontally disposed, groovesbeing provided in and extending inwardly from said first named innerperipheral surface of the passageway defined by horizontally disposedtop and bottom surfaces terminating at said second named innerperipheral surface, each of said horizontally disposed grooves beingfurther defined by first and second ends and being disposed inperpendicular relationship to and intersecting at one end thereof withthe inner end of a respective elongated groove and being in suchrelationship thereto so as to be able to rotate said end cap in adirection opposite to that of said first member whereby said lugs cantravel into respective horizontally disposed grooves when the end capand said first member are located in operative relationship with oneanother whereby to provide the end cap in locked engagement with thesaid first member or to disconnect the end cap therefrom as desired. 3.A quick connect/disconnect assembly for use in connecting anddisconnecting two members together, said assembly comprising incombination:(a) a first member defined by a horizontally disposed,circular-shaped, planar surface, a flange extending downwardly from saidhorizontally disposed, circular-shaped, planar surface a predetermineddistance and defining an outwardly disposed tapered planar surface, acentrally disposed, elongated, circular-shaped member extending invertical disposition upwardly from said horizontally disposed,circular-shaped, planar surface and being perpendicular thereto the endof which is defined by a plane parallel to said horizontally disposedplanar surface, a pair of lugs being provided on said circular-shapedmember at a location intermediate said end and said circular-shaped,planar surface and extending outwardly from said circular-shaped memberequal distant and in diametric opposite directions in the same planeparallel to said circular-shaped, planar surface; and (b) a secondmember comprising an elongated circular-shaped body member defined by anouter circular-shaped peripheral surface terminating at one end thereofin a horizontally disposed, planar face, a centrally disposed,circular-shaped passageway being provided in said second memberextending inwardly from said planar face therein and defining a firstinner peripheral surface, said centrally disposed, circular-shapedpassageway having a length complementary to the length of saidcircular-shaped, elongated member on said first member so as toaccommodate the location of the said circular-shaped member therein whenthe said first and second members are in operative association with oneanother, a pair of elongated grooves being provided in and extendingoutwardly from said first inner peripheral surface in direct oppositionto one another terminating in and defining a second inner peripheralsurface, each of said grooves being defined by parallel, spaced-apartsides and an outer end in a plane perpendicular to said sides andlocated a predetermined distance inwardly from said horizontallydisposed, planar surface and an inner end in a plane parallel to saidouter end, an outwardly extending tapered surface connecting togethersaid outer circular-shaped peripheral surface and the said second namedinner peripheral surface, said tapered flange in the said first membermating with the tapered surface in the second member when said first andsecond members are in operative association with one another, a pair ofdiametrically opposed, horizontally disposed, grooves being provided inand extending outwardly from said first named inner peripheral surfaceof the passageway defined by horizontally disposed top and bottomsurfaces terminating at said second named inner peripheral surface, eachof said horizontally disposed grooves being further defined by first andsecond ends and being disposed in perpendicular relationship to andintersecting at one end thereof with the inner end of a respectiveelongated groove and being in such relationship thereto so as to be ableto rotate said first member in a direction opposite to that of saidsecond member whereby said lugs can travel into respective horizontallydisposed grooves when the first and second members are located inoperative relationship with one another whereby to provide the twomembers in locked engagement with one another or to disconnect the twomembers.
 4. A quick connect/disconnect assembly according to claim 3wherein the two members connected together are lengths of conduit fortransfering a fluid from one point to another and a centrally located,elongated passageway is provided in the said circular-shaped member ofsaid first member which extends from the said end thereof through saidhorizontally disposed, circular-shaped planar surface, and a centrallydisposed, fitting provided with a centrally disposed passageway isprovided in the said body member of the second member, said passagewayin the said fitting communicating with the circular-shaped passagewayprovided in the said second member and the elongated passageway in thesaid first member whereby fluid can pass through the said assembly.
 5. Aquick connect/disconnect assembly according to claim 3 wherein each saidhorizontally disposed groove in the said second body member defines ahelix whereby on bringing the said first and second members intooperative association with one another and rotating the first memberwith respect to the said second member, the lugs cause the said taperedsurfaces to be brought into closer contact with one another resulting ingreater sealing engagement with one another.
 6. A quickconnect/disconnect assembly according to claim 5 wherein a projection isprovided in each of said horizontally disposed grooves extendingoutwardly from one of said top or bottom surfaces thereof and indiametric opposition to one another whereby on rotating of the firstmember with respect to the said second member the lugs will ride oversaid projections and be trapped behind such resulting in more positivelocking of the two members together.
 7. A quick connect/disconnectassembly according to claim 6 wherein planar, parallel surfaces areprovided on the said circular-shaped body member of the said secondmember on either side of said elongated grooves and in paralleldisposition therewith whereby the said planar, parallel surfaces willserve as a label for directing the lugs on said first member into theelongated grooves in the said second member.
 8. A quickconnect/disconnect assembly according to claim 7 wherein parallel,planar surfaces are provided on the circular-shaped body member of thefirst said member on either side of said lugs and in paralleldisposition therewith whereby to provide a label for the operator inconnecting said first and second members of the assembly together.
 9. Aquick connect/disconnect assembly according to claim 7 wherein lugs indiametric opposition are provided and which extend outwardly form thebody member of the said first member and in the plane defined by thelugs located on the said circular-shaped member, which lugs serve as alabel for the orientation of the first member with respect to the saidsecond member providing ease in the joining of the two members together.10. An end cap for use with a quick connect/disconnect assemblycomprising a first and second member, said first member being defined bya horizontally disposed, circular-shaped, planar surface, a flangeextending downwardly from said horizontally disposed, circular-shaped,planar surface a predetermined distance and defining an outwardlydisposed tapered planar surface, a centrally disposed, elongated,circular-shaped member extending in vertical disposition upwardly romsaid horizontally disposed, circular-shaped, planar surface and beingperpendicular thereto the end of which is defined by a planar parallelto said horizontally disposed planar surface, an elongated passagewaybeing provided in the circular-shaped member and extending inwardly fromthe horizontally disposed planar surface of the circular-shaped member,a pair of lugs being provided on said circular-shaped member at alocation intermediate said end and said circular-shaped, planar surfaceand extending outwardly from said circular-shaped member equal distantand in diametric opposite directions in the same plane parallel to saidcircular-shaped, planar surface whereby the passageway in thecircular-shaped member of the said first member can be sealed off whenthe first and second members are disconnected from one another, said endcap comprising an elongated circular-shaped body member defined by anouter circular-shaped peripheral surface terminating at one end thereofin a horizontally disposed, planar face, a centrally disposed,circular-shaped passageway being provided in said second memberextending inwardly from said planar face therein and defining a firstinner peripheral surface, said centrally disposed, circular-shapedpassageway having a length complementary to the length of saidcircular-shaped, elongated member on the said first member so as toaccommodate the location of the said circular-shaped member of the saidfirst member therein when the said first member and end cap are inoperative association with one another, a pair of elongated groovesbeing provided in and extending outwardly from said first innerperipheral surface in direct opposition to one another terminating inand defining a second inner peripheral surface, each of said groovesbeing defined by parallel, spaced-apart sides and an outer endperpendicular to said sides and located a predetermined distanceinwardly from said horizontally disposed, planar surface and an innerend parallel to said outer end, an outwardly extending tapered surfaceconnecting together said outer circular-shaped peripheral surface andthe said second named inner peripheral surface, said tapered flange inthe said first member mating with the second named tapered surface whensaid first member and end cap are in operative association with oneanother, a pair of diametrically opposed, horizontally disposed, groovesbeing provided in and extending inwardly from said first named innerperipheral surface of the passageway defined by horizontally disposedtop and bottom surfaces terminating at said second named innerperipheral surface, each of said horizontally disposed grooves beingfurther defined by first and second ends and being disposed inperpendicular relationship to and intersecting at one end thereof withthe inner end of a respective elongated groove and being in suchrelationship thereto so as to be able to rotate said end cap in adirection opposite to that of said first member whereby said lugs cantravel into respective horizontally disposed grooves when the end capand said first member are located in operative relationship with oneanother whereby to provide the end cap in locked engagement with thesaid first member or to disconnect the end cap therefrom as desired. 11.End cap according to claim 10 further comprising an elongated grippingportion attached to said body member and extending therefrom inlengthwise direction, said gripping portion being defined by first andsecond spaced apart sides parallel to one another and defining planesparallel to those defined by the sides of the said elongated grooveswhereby said gripping portion serves additionally as a label to line upthe lugs on the said first member with the grooves in the said end capproviding ease in the bringing together of the end cap with the saidfirst member in operative association.
 12. A quick connect/disconnectassembly for connecting together the ends of two lengths of conduit ineach of which is provided an axial passageway for the transportation ofa fluid from one point to another, said assembly comprising incombination:(a) a male spike member comprising a body member defined bya first horizontally disposed, planar surface and a second horizontallydisposed, planar surface parallel thereto, an elongated, centrallydisposed, circular-shaped fitting being provided on the said firsthorizontally disposed, planar surface and extending outwardly therefroma predetermined distance terminating in a circular-shaped openingdefining a centrally disposed passageway in said elongated fitting, anda centrally disposed, elongated, circular-shaped member extending invertical disposition outwardly from and perpendicular to said secondhorizontally disposed, planar surface and being perpendicular theretothe outer end of which is defined by a plane parallel to said secondhorizontally disposed planar surface, and which defines a centralpassageway connected to the said central passageway in the saidelongated fitting, said circular-shaped member terminating at its innerend in a circular-shaped, planar surface parallel to the said secondhorizontally disposed, planar surface on the said body member anddefining a circular-shaped perimeter of predetermined diameter, a flangeextending downwardly from said perimeter and outwardly at apredetermined angle from the vertical whereby to provide an outwardlytapered sealing surface terminating at the said second horizontallydisposed, planar surface of the said body member, a pair of lugs beingprovided on said circular-shaped member at a predetermined locationintermediate the end thereof and said circular-shaped, horizontallydisposed, planar surface and extending outwardly from saidcircular-shaped member equal distant and in diametric oppositedirections in the same plane parallel to said circular-shaped, planarsurface; and (b) a female spike member comprising an elongated bodymember defined by a horizontally disposed, planar top surface and ahorizontally disposed, planar bottom surface parallel thereto, acentrally disposed, circular-shaped passageway being provided in saidbody member of the female spike member extending inwardly from saidbottom planar face therein and defining a first inner peripheralsurface, said centrally disposed, circular-shaped passageway having alength complementary to the length of said circular-shaped, elongatedmember so as to accommodate the location of the said circular-shapedmember therein when the said male and female spike members are inoperative association with one another, a pair of vertically disposed,elongated grooves being provided in and extending outwardly from saidfirst inner peripheral surface in direct opposition to one anotherterminating in and defining a second inner peripheral surface, each ofsaid elongated grooves being defined by parallel, spaced-apart sides andan outer end perpendicular to said sides and located a predetermineddistance inwardly from said horizontally disposed, planar bottom surfaceand an inner end parallel to said outer end, an outwardly extending,circular-shaped, tapered surface extending downwardly from said secondnamed inner peripheral surface and at a predetermined angle outwardlyfrom the vertical, said tapered flange in the said male spike membermating with the second named tapered surface in the female spike memberwhen said members are provided in operative association with oneanother, a pair of diametrically opposed, horizontally disposed, groovesbeing provided in and extending inwardly from said first named innerperipheral surface of the passageway defined by horizontally disposedtop and bottom surfaces terminating at said second named innerperipheral surface, each of said horizontally disposed grooves beingfurther defined by first and second ends and being disposed inperpendicular relationship to and intersecting at one end thereof withthe inner end of a respective vertically disposed elongated groove andbeing in such relationship thereto so as to be able to rotate said firstmember in a direction opposite to that of said second member wherebysaid lugs can travel into respective horizontally disposed grooves whenthe first and second members are located in operative relationship withone another whereby to provide the two members in locked engagement withone another or to disconnect the two members, and a centrally disposedelongated fitting being provided on the body member of the female spikemember and extending outwardly from the horizontally disposed planar topsurface thereof and terminating in a circular-shaped opening defining acentral passageway in said elongated fitting, said passagewaycommunicating with the said passageway in the said body member of themale spike member and when the female spike member and male spike memberare in operative association with one another with the passagewayprovided in said centrally disposed, circular-shaped member whereby astraight pass is provided for fluid flow.
 13. A quick connect/disconnectassembly according to claim 12 wherein the body members of the male andfemale spike members are circular-shaped.
 14. A quick connect/disconnectassembly according to claim 13 wherein spaced apart, parallel flats areprovided on the said body member of the male spike member, said flatsbeing in planes on each side of and parallel to that plane defined bythe diametrically opposed lugs, and spaced apart, parallel flats areprovided on the body member of the female spike member, said flats beingin planes on each side of and parallel to that plane defined by anddividing the vertically disposed, elongated grooves whereby registrationpoints are provided making for ease in assembling the two spike memberstogether.